Tifa Costume - Final Fantasy Advent Children
One of my best clients commissioned this costume for Northeast Ohio's Colossalcon. She and I studied reference images to duplicate the character as completely as possible. The biggest challenge was what appeared to be an apron around her hips with the skirt cascading over it. I constructed a sturdy hip belt to support the apron front and pleated back skirt. The costume consists of a pair of black shorts, a pleated half-skirt (with exactly the number of pleats in Tifa's skirt), an apron with Snap-on pockets, a cropped sleeveless top with exposed zipper and a gray cropped tank top. A tiny bit of the tank top was exposed in every picture we found, so it is secured in the right position with clear snaps. I used moleskin for the black portions of the costume. It has a suede-like appearance without being too heavy for the skirt and apron. The tank top is cotton knit. This is one of my client's favorite costumes. She has worn it to numerous anime conventions. It was recently exhibited in the Cosplay Gallery at Ohayocon, one of the ten largest cons in the U.S.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
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Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
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This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
About Me
I have over 40 years of fine sewing and handwork experience. My training includes couture bridal sewing with Susan Khalje, contributing editor to Threads magazine, and custom pattern fitting and drafting with Professor Kenneth D. King from FIT. I've attended numerous workshops given by professionals in the sewing industry and participate on Sewing Pattern Review discussion board.
About My Work
For the last 7 years I've been making dreams come true for everyone from anime cosplayers to brides and bridesmaids. I work primarily from inspiration drawings and photographs to create unique clothing that fits your style and flatters your figure. My specialty is fitting curvy women.
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Brandon Emry
For Prometheus hoodie5.0Barbara was fantastic working with me on this hoodie. She was very busy, but still found time to work with me and the turn around time was super fast, and so was shipping. Got the hoodie today and it is fantastic!! Couldn't ask for a better product. Fantastic maker!!
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Rosanne
For Rosanne's wedding dress5.0Barbara Hilow is a wonderful professional couture level dress maker. She took my vision and created a black suit which was influenced by a Chanel dress I had seen. Barbara was a pleasure to work with and I would recommend her to anyone who has a special dress making project. If you are a bride to be, a business woman, a lady looking to create with a good resource, Barbara is just that. You will have fun with your project and I know you will be happy with the results. Rosanne Wagner.
JMJohn McMinn
For Cowl Neck Hoodie5.0This took me some time to write only because I've been buried with a ton of work. That being said, Barbara made the best Hoodie for me and exactly to my specifications. I used it constantly during the holiday season and during my winter travels. Also, I work in a cold office so it really came in handy there as well. Barbara had many projects going at once and constantly kept me in the loop. She even got very sick and still managed to find the time to work on all her projects, including mine. Very happy with the outcome and definitely look forward to having another piece custom made.
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Dan
For Renessaince Shirts' with embellishment5.0I had chosen Barbara, primarily for her knowledge and zeal/passion/desire to do this work. I wanted something a little out of the ordinary """ Custom"".. In every aspect Barbara delivered when i asked if something could be done.. Can't beat that....ever. That's the best, i plan on having her make a few more things for me in the future.
HSHolt Starck
For Cowl neck hoodie4.8Barbara is such an amazing women. She made me the coolest hoodie known to man and I couldn't be more grateful. She was extremely nice during the whole process, walked me through all the steps of how my project was to be tackled and made a very high quality final product. I would definitely recommend Barbara if you are looking for a professional to make you any kind of custom made clothing. A+++
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